STHM student-athlete spotlight
Women’s Rowing: Cassidy Burn
By Ethan Duer
In our latest Q&A series, we highlight the student-athlete experience at STHM.
Sport and entertainment management major Cassidy Burns, class of 2027, is a member of the Temple Owls women’s rowing team.
Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics
Q&A with STHM
From Pittsburgh, Cassidy Burns, class of 2027, is a member of the Temple Owls women’s rowing team. In addition to telling us about how she chose to study at Temple, she shares insights into the support she receives as a student-athlete and the unique perspective her athletic pursuits offer her studies at the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM).
Name: Cassidy Burns
Sport: Women’s Rowing
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA (The Ellis School)
Major: Sport and Entertainment Management
Favorite student-athlete memory: “My favorite memory so far is from our conference championship in Tennessee during my freshman year. The boat that I was competing in finished third after an intense race—we had worked so hard for that result, and it was incredibly rewarding!”
What does it mean to you to be a student-athlete at the School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management?
I am so thankful to represent both Temple and STHM not only in the water, but also through my educational pursuits and, one day, in my future endeavors. Being a student-athlete at STHM offers me the opportunity to directly connect my experience in the rowing program into the classroom. Specifically learning about the NCAA and college athletics with the intention of entering the industry professionally, while actively competing in collegiate athletics, is very rewarding.
What was your decision process like when choosing to attend Temple?
Going through the college process with the intention of pursuing athletics is unique, as you are not only focused on the academics of a school, but also the athletics. What stood out to me about Temple was its approach to academics and athletics, and how it values the culture that is built within both. Temple checked all of my boxes, with the rowing team, which I fell in love with, the academics, as it has programs I was interested in, and the location and opportunities. It’s important to choose an environment where you can see yourself thriving in, and Temple was that for me.
Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics
“Here you have a group of people behind you that are ready to support you in any and every way you need.”
How has STHM supported your pursuits as a student-athlete?
STHM is incredibly supportive of its student-athletes in countless ways, but most notably in understanding how we each balance academics and athletics. My professors and advisors consistently provide the support I need to succeed both in the classroom and on the water. This school truly understands what it means to be a student-athlete balancing a busy schedule, and it is determined to support us in any way it can.
How will your student-athlete experience benefit you beyond your time at Temple?
Being a student-athlete has taught me amazing lessons. Two of the biggest things that come to mind are how much I’ve learned about leadership and time management. Both in the classroom and at practice, there is an expectation to step up and be a leader at every possible opportunity. Sometimes this pushes me out of my comfort zone, but it is an important skill. Additionally, time management is another one of the most important traits I have developed, as you have to be able to balance the demanding 20-hour practice schedule and races on top of work and studying in the classroom. Considering my plans beyond Temple, I’m thankful that STHM requires us to participate in an internship, which I completed this past summer at the University of Pittsburgh assisting with operations for its youth summer sport camps. This opportunity allowed me to gain valuable real-world,industry experience.
“Being a student-athlete at STHM offers me the opportunity to directly connect my experience in the rowing program into the classroom.”
Photo courtesy of Temple Athletics
What would you say to a prospective student-athlete who is considering coming to Temple?
I would highlight the importance of a strong support system and many resources that Temple has to offer! Here you have a group of people behind you that are ready to support you in any and every way you need. Whether that is academic advisors in the Resnick Athletic Support Center, coaches, career support, tutoring and more—there is an army of individuals standing behind you to lend support. They are constantly doing everything in their power to make sure that you are set up for success and that you can thrive in the environment you are in.
What do you hope to achieve this fall semester? (Both athletically and academically)
This academic year and season will be exciting, and I am always striving to raise my success! As a Temple athlete, we always discuss the importance of performing well within the classroom and, in my case, on the water. Being able to accomplish both is not always easy, but it is something I always strive for and remain motivated through our school’s support system. Academically, I am working toward maintaining my GPA as my upperclassman workload picks up. Athletically, our team is in a new conference this year (Middle Atlantic Conference) and we intend to compete for this year’s championship.
Student-Athletes at STHM
Each academic year, a select group of students from Temple University’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management (STHM) represents the school in a place beyond the classroom: NCAA collegiate athletics.
Participating across a variety of Temple Athletics programs, STHM is proud to be the academic home for many student-athletes.